Wire-stitching or stapling machine



F6522, E938. l JJF, CAVANAGH 2,108,882

WIRE STITCHlNG OR STAPLING MACHINE lFiled April '7, 1932 Patented Feb. 22, 1938 PATENT DFFICE WIRE-STITCHING 0R STAPLING MACHINE John F. Cavanagh, Providence, R. I., assignor to Boston Wire Stitcher Company, Portland,

Maine, a corporation of Maine yApplication April '7, 1932, Serial No. 603,787

13 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in wirestitching and stapling machines for use in attaching sheets of paper, stitching or stapling tags, labels and the like to articles of commerce and for applying staples to other articles. whatever their use. The inventio-n is especially related to stapling or wire-stitching machines of that type having a base or support embodying' a clinching device and a hingedly mounted movable member or arm carrying the stapling mechanism. The present improvements are concerned particularly with means for mounting the stapling mechanism to adapt it for adjustment x with respect to the clinching means whereby to provide for the proper cooperation of these mechanisms.

One object o-f the invention is to provide an adjustable mounting forl the movable member carrying the stapling mechanism whereby the 2U latter may be accurately positioned with respect to the clinching means on the base of the ma.- chine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting for the movable member or arm of the machiney which when once adjusted for ac'- curate alinement of the stapling mechanism with the clinching means may be lockedr in position to prevent accidental displacement thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved pivot mounting for the arm cr member carrying the stapling mechanism to adapt the latter to be accurately adjusted in relation to the clinching means with said mounting comprising only a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the invention is to render the stapling device more eicient in use and proof against derangement or getting out of order.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction of the invention, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation'of a stapling machine showing the stapling arm in position to grip the work therebeneath and illustrating a portion of the casing thereof broken away to more clearly disclose the essential elements of the stapling mechanism;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged central longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the machine illus.- trating the adjustable mounting between the arm and the base;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal longitudinal sectional view of the mounting taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the same taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is a still further enlarged view in elevation of the pivot locking device of the mounting.

The construction of the illustrated stapling machine is herein described briey in so far as is necessary for a clear understanding of the present invention in its application thereto. The stapling machine shown in the present drawing is of a design and construction substantially like that described and illustrated in. United States Letters Patent No. 1,584,788 dated May 18, 1926. In general, the machine comprises a flat base 2 designed to rest upon a desk, table or other suitable support, an upper stapling member or arm 3 hinged to the rearward end of the base to adapt it to be pressed down against the work which is placed beneath its forward end, and clinching means mounted on the base beneath the stapling mechanism to adapt it to cooperate therewith.

In stapling machines of the present and other types it is the practice in some instances to provide a hardened clincher-block or anvil on the base of the machine beneath' the stapling mechanism to adapt it to bend over the legs of the staples to clinch them against the underside of the work. In other cases movable clincher-dogs with suitable grooves are arranged beneath. the stapling mechanism and connected to' be operated therefrom to bend over the legs of the staple and clinch them in place. In still other instances the clincher-block is Vrotatably mounted in the base and provided with several sets of differently disposed clincher-grooves whereby the legs of the staple may be bent in various directions in any of the conventional mo-des, the block being rotated to present a particular set of grooves directly beneath the staple mechanism. It is to be understood Ythat the present invention is applicable to use with any such clinching means.

As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, the illustrated clinching means consists of a hardened block 4 received in a, recess: 5 provided in a bloss 6 struck up from the material of the base 2 adjacent the forward end thereof. The anvil or clincher-block 4 is provided with a narrow recess or groove l' conforming substantially to the width of the staple legs and so arranged beneath the stapling arm and alined therewith as to receive the ends of the legs of the staple to bend them toward each other.

In the present embodiment of the invention the stapling arm or member 3 comprises opposite side plates 8 riveted or welded to the sides CII of a hollow, inverted, U-shaped staple-core 9 across the top of which the staples are straddled. The upper sides of the staple-core 9 are offset inwardly to provide spaces between them and the inner faces of. the side plates 8 for receiving the legs of the staples and the side plates 8 have offset portions I9 which overlie the top of the staple-core to prevent the staples s from riding up thereon. A longitudinal spacer-element I I of general inverted U-shape may be inserted between the legs of the staple-core 9 and united thereto to give greater strength Vand rigidity to the structure of the arm 3.

A staple-pusher I2 is arranged to straddle the sides of the core 9 in position at the rear of a series of staples s to slide the latter forwardly.

to feed the foremost staple into position beneath the staple-driver. As herein shown, the staplepusher I2 is attached to the end of a atribbonlike spring I3 which is Wound into a volute coil held on a core or suitable mandrel extending between upwardly projecting side flanges I4 forming a part of the forward ends of the side plates 8 of the arm 3. The tension of the spring I3 serves to urge the staple-pusher I2 forwardly on the staple-core 9 to cause it to feed a fresh staple into position beneath the staple-driver I5 after the previously fed staple has been applied to the work.

The staple-driver I5, in the form of a flat metal plate, is carried by a'plunger I6 mounted to reciprocate at vthe front of the stapling arm 3, the lateral edges of the driver being formed with splines which slide in grooves I'I in the inner faces of the side plates 8. Secured to the top of the plunger I6 is a hand-rest or knob I8 adapted to receive the pressure of the operators hand to slide the staple-driver I5 downwardly in driving the staples through the work. Beneath the knob I8 is a helical spring I9, the lower end Y of which seats against a shelf or rest 20 on the arm 3, thereby tending to maintain the plunger normally raised into position with the bottom edge of the staple-driver I5 above the top of the foremost staple in the series. It will be understood that the pressure of the staple-pusher I2 holds the foremost staple s pressed against suitable stcps or abutments at the forward end of the arm 3 with its legs alined with the grooves in which the staple-driver I5 slides. Usually a yieldable staple supporter 2I is provided at the forward end of the arm 3 to prevent the staple from dropping down out of position until it is acted upon by the driver.

It is customary in machines of the present type to provide a spring 22 or similar resilient device adapted to normally hold the stapling arm with its forward end in raised position. The spring 22 is shown in the accompanying drawing as arranged between the sides of the staple-core 9 with its rearward end secured to the base 2 by a rivet 27 and its free end acting against the underside of the vspacer-member II forwardly` of the pivot of the arm.

The arrangement of the stapling mechanism as above described is in accordance with a well known type of device now in common use, but it is to be understood that the structure ofthe apparatus is not directly related to the present invention and may take other forms.

In stapling machines of the present character ,wherein the stapling mechanism is carried on a pivoted arm orotherwise movable member and the clinching means mounted on the base of the machine great accuracy of dimension and t are required in the connection of the parts to insure proper cooperation between the stapling and clinching mechanisms. In fact with ordinary methods of, manufacture it is practically impossible to maintain such uniformity as will result in perfect alinement of the stapling mechanism with the clincher-grooves in the anvil or in the clincher-dogs. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide means whereby thestapling arm or other movable part of the machine may be mounted on the base to permit the stapling mechanism to be accurately adjusted in relation. to the clinching means and also to arrange the mounting so that it may be permanently locked or secured in place to prevent misalinement of the parts during continued use of the device.

The means for accomplishing the above objects are as next described. As before stated, in the present embodiment of the invention the stapling arm or movable member 3 is pivotally mounted on the rearward end of the base 2 and normally held with its forward end elevated to permit the placing ofthe work thereunder across the clincher-block 4. Upon the upper surface of the base 2 at its rearward end is secured a hinge-member 24, preferably constructed of sheet-metal in the form of a U-shaped trough having its sides 25 and 26 disposed longitudinally of the base with the space therebetween dimensioned to receive the end of the arm 3. The bottom of the hinge-member 24 is permanently secured to the base 2 by means of the rivet 21 and another rivet 23 or by any other suitable means. The sides 25 and 26 of the hinge-member 24 straddle the sides of the stapling arm 3 and are provided with suitable transverse holes for the reception ofa pin or stud 28 upon which the arm is pivoted. The engagement of the inner faces of the sides 25 and 26 of the hinge-member 24 with the sides of the arm 3 serve to restrain the arm from lateral twisting movement or side plarlThe difficulties due to limitations of accuracy inthe manufacture of the parts for attaching the stapling arm 3 to its mounting on the hingemember upon the base of the machine have been previously mentioned. has for its principal object to overcome these inaccuracies of manufacture and assembly, and to accomplish the desired results with little or no change in the construction of the stapling arm or the hinge element and Without the use of additional parts. VIn the present improved construction a novel form of hinge-pin 28 is employed and applied to use in the manner as next explained. The pin 28is formed intermediate its ends with a central cylindrical body portion 29 and a pair of spaced eccentric hubs 30 adapted to fit closely within alining holes 3| formed in the sides of the arm 3. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawing, the holes 3| are alined transversely of the stapling arm being formed in the side plates 8 and extended through the sides of the staple-core 9 secured thereto. The sides of the spacer-member II are preferably cut away at 32 adjacent the holes 3I, see Fig. 3, and the top of the member bowed or arched upwardly at 33 to clear the eccentric hubs 30.

One end 34 ofy the pivot pin 28 is axially alined with its mid portion 29 and of the same diameter, being adapted to be received in the pivot hole 35 in one of the sides 25 of the hinge-member 24. This reduced end 34 serves to locate the pivot pin 28 in the hinge-member 24 so that by rotating The present invention the pin the eccentric hubs 30 which are engaged within the holes 3| in the arm 3 will act to longitudinally shift the position of the arm with respect to its mounting on the hinge-member. Obviously, therefore, by this means the forward end of the stapling arm 3 may be adjusted fore and aft of the base to accurately aline the stapledriver I5 with the clincher-grooves in the anvil 4.

As before stated, the present invention not only contemplates the provision of an adjustable mounting for the stapling arm or member, but also additional means co-operating therewith for locking or securing the mounting against accidental disarrangement. In the present form of construction the locking means is located at one end of the pin 28 and arranged to be engaged or disengaged by a longitudinal or axial lmovement of the pin. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 3 of the drawing that the eccentric hubs 38 and the reduced end portion 34 of the pin 28 are of sufcient length to permit axial displacement of the pin in its bearings without disengagement of the hubs and end portion from the holes 3| and 35, respectively. 'I'he locking means at the end 36 of the pin 28 comprises a head 3l, preferably multi-sided or of hexagonal shape, adapted to be forced into an opening 38 in the side wall 26 of the hinge-member 24. The head 3i of the pin 28 may be made with any desired number of angular facets or side faces and in the drawing a hexagonal shape has been arbitrarily chosen for purposes of illustration. The conguration of the opening 38 may be complementary to the hexagonal shape of the head 3l or, as shown it may comprise a greater number of angular sides 39 meeting in points 4|] adapted to engage the points of the head, as shown in Fig. 5, to act as detentsI therefor. It will be apparent that the head 3l of the pin 28 may be engaged with the opening 38 in any of several rotary adjustments of the pin 28, and the greater the number of angles in the opening 38 the more minute the extent of adjustment will be. The head 3l is adapted to frictionally seat within the opening 38 in the side 26 of the hinge-member 24 when the pin 28 is forced or driven into its ultimate position; that is, with its end 34 projecting through the hole 35 in the opposite wall y 25 of the hinge-member and the eccentric hubs 38 in full bearing with the holes 3| of the arm 3, see Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 3, the pin 28 may be moved axially to free its head 31 from engagement with the opening 38 while still retaining the eccentric hubs 30 in place in the holes 3|, thus permitting the turning of the pin to effect longitudinal adjustment of the stapling arm 3 for the purpose previously explained.

To prevent accidental disconnection of the stapling arm 3 from its mounting on the base 2 means are provided for locking the pin 28 against withdrawal from its bearings in the hinge-member 24. In the present embodiment of the invention such means comprises a at leaf-spring 4I which is secured in place between the sides of the hinge-member 24 by means of the rivet 2l. The outer free end 42 of spring 4| is of a width somewhat less than the length of the central body portion 29 of the pin 28 between its eccentric hubs 30 and is bent upwardly to normally yieldingly contact therewith. The end 42 of the spring 4| engages between the facing shoulders 43 of the eccentric hubs 30 which are preferably beveled or tapered to facilitate their sliding across the edges of the spring when the pin is originally assembled in its bearings. It will be observed however that the pivot pin 28'y may be shifted axially in the hinge-member 24 to free its head 37 from the opening 38, but this movement of the pin is resisted by the action of the spring 4| as it rides up onto the periphery` of the eccentric hub 38. In this way the com-- plete withdrawal of the pin is prevented and the spring acts further to frictionally resist its turning movement to facilitate an accurate adjustment of the parts.

The method of operation of the stapling machine herein illustrated and described is common to devices of the present character and therefore requires no detailed explanation. The present invention provides means for adjusting the relationship of the parts whereby to accurately aline the stapling mechanism with the clincher means to thus insure the proper setting and clinching of the staples'in the work. By correctly alining the staples as they are driven with the grooves in the clinching device the liability of tearing or otherwise mutilating the work is greatly reduced.

It will be observed that the present invention provides an improved and simplified construction whereby irregularities or inaccuracies in the manufacture of the several constituent parts of a stapling machine may be compensated for during assembly and the cooperating mechanisms thereafter permanently held in proper relationship. The desired results are accomplished without substantial change in the machine elements and withoutthe addition of extra parts.

While the device is herein illustrated as embodied in a preferred form of construction, it is to be understood that modifications may be made. in the structure and arrangement of its parts and in its method of application without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

1. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, a member mounted on the base to adapt it to be moved toward and away therefrom, stapling mechanism carried by said member, clinching means on the base, and eccentric means for pivotally connecting the movable member to the base to adapt it for adjustment to aline the stapling mechanism with the clinching means.

2. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, a member movable toward. and away from said base, stapling mechanism car.- ried by said member, clinching means on the base, and eccentric means for pivotally connecting the movable member to the base, said eccentric means being rotatable to adjust the movable member to aline the stapling mechanism with the clinching means.

3. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, clinching means on said base, stapling mechanism adapted to cooperate therewith, a movable member carrying the stapling mechanism, a hinge-element on the base, and rotatable eccentric means for hingedly connecting the movable member to the hinge-element, the rotation of said eccentric means being adapted to effect longitudinal adjustment of the movable member with respect to the base.

4. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, clinching means on said base, stapling mechanism adapted to cooperate therewith, a movable member carrying the stapling mechanism, rotatable eccentric means for hingedly connecting the movable member to the base to adapt it for adjustment with respect thereto,

bination of a base, clinchingV means at one end 'and means for locking the eccentric means against rotation.

5. In a device of the type specified, the combina-V pin mounted in said hinge-element and provided With an eccentric portion having a bearing in the movable member to pivotally'support the latter :and adapted upon rotation of the pin to adjust the movable member to aline the stapling mechanism with the clinching means.

6. .T n a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, clinching means on said base, stapling mechanism adapted to cooperate therewith, an arm carrying the stapling mechanism, a hinge-element on the base, a pin mounted in said hinge-element and provided with an eccentric portion having a bearing in the armpsaid pin being adapted to be rotated to adjust the arm to aline the stapling mechanism with the clinching means, and means for locking the pin against rotation.

7. In a device of the type specied, the combination of a support, clinching means on said support, an eccentric pin mounted on the support, a stapling member mounted on the pin, and stapling mechanism carried by said member.

8. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a support, clinching means on said support, a hinge-element on said support provided with a hole, a stapling member having a hole therein, stapling mechanism carried by said member, a pivot pinmounted in the hole in the hinge-element and having an eccentric portion engaging the hole in the staplingY member, and

releasable means for preventing rotation of the pin.

9. In a device of the type specied, the combination of a base, clinching means at one end thereof, a U-shaped hinge-element at the opposite end of the base, a stapling member having a hole therethrough, stapling mechanism carried by said member, and a pivot pin held in the sides or the hinge-element and formed with an eccentric hub engaging the hole in the stapling member to connect the latter to the base to provide for its adjustment thereon.

i0. In a device of the type speciiied, the comthereof, a U-shaped hinge-element at the opposite end of the base, a stapling member Vhaving a lateral hole extending therethrough, said mem ber being held between the sides of the hingeelement, stapling mechanismi carried by said member, and a pinfor pivotally connecting the stapling member to the hinge-element, said pin being mounted in the hinge-element and pro- 'Vided With an eccentric hub engaging the hole in the stapling member and said pin having means for releasably engaging the hinge-element to prevent it from' turning therein.

1l. `In a device of the type specified, the combinationof a base, clinching means at one end thereof, a U-shaped hinge-element at the opposite end or" the base, a stapling member having a hole extending therethrough, stapling mechanism carried bysaid member, a pin mounted in alined holes in the hinge-element for movement axially thereofsaid pin having an eccentric portion re-V ceived in the hole in the stapling member, and means cooperating With said pin and hinge-element to lock the pin against rotation when it is moved axially in its mounting.

l2. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, clinching means supported on the base, a hinge-element on the base provided with a lateral hole and an opening at the sidethereof having a polygonal configuration, stapling mechanism, an arm carrying said stapling mechanism and formed Withva lateral hole, and a'pin mounted in the hole in thehingee1ement and provided with an eccentric portion engaging the hole in the stapling arm, said pin having a polygonally shaped head adapted to seat in the polygonal opening in the hinge-element to lock the pin against rotation.

13. In a device of the type specified, the combination of a base, clinching means on the base, a hinge-element on the base formed With a lateral hole and a polygonally shaped recess in its. side, a Y

stapling arm formed with a lateral hole, stapling mechanism carried by the arm, a-pin journaled in the hinge-element and formed With an eccentric portion engaging the hole in the stapling arm to pivotally support the latter therefrom, said pin formed With a multi-sided headadapted to seat in the polygonally shaped opening in the hinge-element and a spring engaging the pin to resist its axial movement in the hinge-element.

Y JOHN F. C'AVANAGH. 

